New report: One in four 10-12-year-olds takes painkillers weekly
A recent survey reveals that 26 per cent of Norwegian children in 5th to 7th grade take painkillers at least once a week, with the highest percentage, 34 per cent, among girls in 7th grade.
This finding comes from the latest report based on responses from Ungdata Junior, a survey conducted by the Norwegian Social Research Institute NOVA at OsloMet. The survey collects responses from 102,000 adolescents in 199 Norwegian municipalities.
Last year, researchers at NOVA expressed concern over the unexpectedly high and worrying levels of medication use in this age group, highlighted in the Young in Oslo 2023 report (link in Norwegian). The national data confirmed that this trend is prevalent across the country: One in four children takes painkillers weekly.
Interestingly, children aged 10-12 seem to rely on painkillers more frequently than older students in lower secondary and upper secondary school. In the survey, 10 per cent of children reported experiencing frequent health issues, such as nausea, headaches, stomach aches, and feelings of sadness.
Misuse and accessibility
The Norwegian Directorate of Health is alarmed that some adolescents have easy access to painkillers and may use them for issues these medications aren’t intended to address, like managing stress and anxiety. Many young people also turn to painkillers to cope better with social interactions, ease anxiety about upcoming events, or help them fall asleep.
“Recent studies indicate a shift in attitudes, particularly among younger generations: The threshold for using painkillers has become lower, and everyday discomfort is more often managed with over-the-counter painkillers,” divisional director Linda Granlund tells NTB.
She points out that parents are key influencers, both by controlling access to medications and shaping the attitudes adolescents will carry into adulthood.
Lack of knowledge
Paracetamol is the most commonly used over-the-counter painkiller in Norway. According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, over 11 million packages of Paracetamol were sold in Norwegian pharmacies and grocery stores in 2023. Health authorities have cautioned against viewing Paracetamol as completely harmless.
While Paracetamol is a safe first choice for fever and most physical pains, it must be used correctly, in the proper dosage, and for the appropriate conditions. Overuse of Paracetamol can lead to chronic headaches. The Norwegian Directorate of Health estimates that 2–3 per cent of the Norwegian population suffers from medication overuse headaches due to excessive use of Paracetamol.
This year, the Directorate of Health launched a campaign aimed at adolescents and parents, encouraging careful consideration before taking – or giving – painkillers. The campaign advises against offering painkillers every time a child faces discomfort.
“Children and adolescents need to learn life skills, understanding that pain and discomfort are part of life – and that there are good strategies and methods to prevent or alleviate such issues without relying on medications,” says Granlund.
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Translated by Alette Bjordal Gjellesvik
Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no
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